MUSIC >Knopfler, Depeche Mode to stage Istanbul shows

Two big-name music acts have confirmed Istanbul concert dates for 2013, with guitarist Mark Knopfler set to play at Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Sports Hall on April 27, 2013, followed on May 17, 2013, by Depeche Mode at Küçükçiftlik Park.

Knopfler visited Istanbul’s Turkcell Kurçeşme Arena stage in 2008, leaving an indelible impression upon concertgoers. On his return, Knopfler is expected to perform famous songs from Dire Straits such as “Money for Nothing,” “Sultans of Swing,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Walk of Life” and “Your Latest Trick.”

Depeche Mode, meanwhile, will play in Istanbul as part of the group’s European tour that also includes dates at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, Paris’ Stade de France, Moscow’s Lokomotiv Stadium and Rome’s Olympic Stadium.

Coming off the back of their successful “Tour of the Universe” series, Depeche Mode’s 2013 tour is expected to reach 1.5 million fans with 34 concerts in 25 European countries.A long-awaited new album from the group will hit stores in spring.